Personal Details :
- Full Name: Ryann Maegen Hoven (professionally known as Tess Holliday; formerly Tess Munster)
- Date of Birth: July 5, 1985
- Place of Birth: Laurel, Mississippi, USA
- Height & Size: Approximately 5’4″ to 5’5″ (1.63–1.65 m), US size 22 (UK 26)
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
- Nationality: American
- Residence: Los Angeles, California
- Family: Mother – Beth Hoven; Father – Doug Hoven; Children – Rylee and Bowie Juniper
- Career Start: Began modeling at age 15, faced early rejection due to size and height
- Career Breakthrough: Signed with Milk Model Management in 2015 as the first size-22 model signed by a major agency
- Notable Work:
- Modeling campaigns for Torrid, Monif C, H&M (2015 campaign)
- Featured on the cover of People magazine
- Walked in London Fashion Week
- Advocate and founder of the viral hashtag #EffYourBeautyStandards
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @tessholliday
- Facebook: Tess Holliday
- Twitter: @Tess_Holliday
- TikTok: @tessholliday
- YouTube: Slumber Party with Tess Holliday
- Linktree: tessholliday
Career Overview :
Tess Holliday began her modeling career at the age of 15 after being discovered in Atlanta. Despite early rejections due to her size and height, she persisted and worked in various creative roles within the fashion industry before fully committing to modeling in 2010. Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she launched the viral social media campaign #EffYourBeautyStandards, which challenged conventional beauty norms and celebrated body positivity. In January 2015, Tess made history by becoming the first plus-size model signed by a major agency, Milk Model Management, at size 22. Since then, she has modeled for prominent brands such as Torrid, Monif C, and H&M, appeared on the cover of People magazine, and walked the runway at London Fashion Week. Tess has also used her platform to advocate for body inclusivity and has become a prominent figure in activism surrounding fat acceptance and self-love.
Personal Life & Interests :
Tess Holliday was born as Ryann Maegen Hoven in Laurel, Mississippi. She faced many challenges growing up, including a difficult childhood and frequent moves. Tess became a mother at a young age, giving birth to her first child, Rylee, when she was just 20 years old. She later welcomed her second child, Bowie Juniper, in 2016. In 2019, Tess publicly came out as pansexual and has been open about her recovery from atypical anorexia, sharing her journey to inspire others. Beyond modeling, Tess is passionate about body positivity activism and uses her platform to promote self-love, inclusivity, and challenge conventional beauty standards. She also enjoys photography and creative expression.
Net Worth :
As of 2024, Tess Holliday’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $17.6 million. This wealth is primarily derived from her modeling contracts with major brands like Torrid, H&M, and Benefit Cosmetics, as well as her social media collaborations and speaking engagements. Additionally, Tess authored the book The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl, further contributing to her income. Her advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity has solidified her status as a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
Awards & Achievements :
- First Plus-Size Model Signed by a Major Agency: In 2015, Tess Holliday made history by becoming the first size-22 model signed by a major modeling agency, Milk Model Management, marking a significant milestone in body diversity within the fashion industry.
- Cover Features: Tess has graced the covers of prominent magazines, including People and Cosmopolitan UK, further solidifying her influence in the fashion world.
- Creator of #EffYourBeautyStandards: In 2013, Tess launched the viral social media movement #EffYourBeautyStandards, challenging conventional beauty norms and promoting body positivity.
- Advocate for Body Positivity: Tess has been a vocal advocate for body inclusivity, participating in campaigns with brands like H&M, Torrid, and Addition Elle, and speaking at various events to promote self-love and acceptance.
- Author: Tess authored the book The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl, sharing her personal journey and insights on embracing one’s body.
Fun Facts :
- Tess Holliday’s birth name is Ryann Maegen Hoven.
- She started modeling at the age of 15 but faced many rejections early on due to her size.
- Tess is the first plus-size model signed by a major agency at size 22.
- She launched the viral hashtag #EffYourBeautyStandards to promote body positivity.
- Tess is openly pansexual and has been vocal about LGBTQ+ rights.
- She is an author of a memoir titled The Not So Subtle Art of Being a Fat Girl.
- Tess has two children and often speaks about motherhood and body acceptance.
- She advocates strongly against photo manipulation in the fashion industry.